JPMorgan analyst Tyler Langton downgraded Silgan Holdings (SLGN) to Underweight and lowered his price target for the shares to $30 from $32. The analyst cites valuation for the downgrade, noting Silgan is trading at a premium to Crown Holdings (CCK) on a free cash flow yield basis despite its lower margins and growth potential. The analyst names Berry Global (BERY), Ball Corp. (BLL) and Crown Holdings his top Packaging picks for 2018. He sees the sector's earnings growth rebounding this year.

Berry Global (BERY) and Glatfelter (GLT) announced the achievement of a regulatory milestone in the proposed transaction involving the combination of a majority of Berry's Health, Hygiene and Specialties segment to include its Global Nonwovens and Films business, or HHNF, with Glatfelter, with the expiration of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino, or HSR, Antitrust Improvements Act. As previously announced on February 7, Berry and Glatfelter entered into a definitive agreement under which Berry will spin-off and merge its HHNF business with Glatfelter in a Reverse Morris Trust transaction. The transaction will create a leading, publicly-traded company in the specialty materials industry. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar 2024 and is subject to approval by Glatfelter shareholders and completion of customary closing conditions.